The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Town reeling after boy’s death
Man found seriously injured outside property after falling from a window has been arrested
Residents of Coupar Angus struggled to come to terms yesterday with the “devastating” incident that has left a 10-year-old boy dead and an eight-yearold girl fighting for her life.
People reacted with horror after Kane Morris and the girl were found in a converted flat on Union Street in the early hours of Sunday.
Kane was pronounced dead at the scene while the girl was rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she is in a critical but stable condition.
A 37-year-old man who was found seriously injured outside the property after falling from a window has been arrested.
Floral tributes, cards and other items were placed near the site where the youngster died.
A message released by Kane’s family through the police read: “Kane was a popular young boy within the community, he was full of energy and loved dearly by all.
“As you can understand, this is a devastating experience for us as a family.
“Although we appreciate all your well wishes, we ask for privacy at this highly sensitive time.”
One teenager had gone with her mother to lay flowers. She said: “A young boy has lost his life for absolutely no reason.
“I found out about it on social media and I’m completely shocked. I just wanted to do something to come and show my respects. It’s devastating.”
One of his former teachers said Kane had a “wicked sense of humour”.
“He was such a funny, happy little boy. I only taught him for a short time but he just stands out so much – he was the kind of boy that made a mark on you. It is so horrible to think he’s gone.”
Police forensic specialists continued to work at the scene – an RBS branch that was turned into flats three years ago – after lifting the cordon that had blocked off Union Street throughout Sunday.
The flat’s top floor window was open as officers worked inside and outside the property. The stairwell inside the building was also cordoned off.
Officers carried out door-to-door inquiries, as well as posting patrols at the property and at the primary school.
Friends of the two children were said to be too upset to attend the school and had been kept away.
One parent, who did not wish to be named, said his daughter had been a visitor to the Union Street flat previously.
“I stopped my wee girl going round there and, today, I am so glad that I did.
“I just wanted to do something to come and show my respects. It’s devastating
There was always shouting and things.”
Kane’s mother Laura Gillie works for NHS Tayside. She is separated from the boy’s father and lives less than 100 yards from the scene, in Japp Square.
Neighbours there said Kane was a frequent visitor and would often be seen riding his bike. “He was an ordinary wee boy. As happy as you like,” one said.
Local MSP and deputy first minister John Swinney visited the scene yesterday.
“This is devastating news and my heart goes out to the children and their family and friends,” he said.
“The Coupar Angus community is so close to home for me and the news is literally impossible to comprehend.”
The Rev Andrew Graham, the local minister, opened Coupar Angus Abbey to give people the chance to “take some time to sit and reflect”.
“Our community has been hit very hard by this recent tragic event and many of us are shaken and confused,” he said.
“At times like this it can be helpful to take some time out to think and reflect, to seek inner peace for yourself and perhaps to say a prayer for the affected family and for our community.”
Detective Inspector Ross Fitzgerald, from the Major Investigation Team, said: “This is a tragic incident and our
thoughts at this time remain with those involved.
“Our inquiries are ongoing and the community will continue to see a police presence in the area.
“We appreciate this has been a very traumatic incident for those involved and the impact this has had on the local community.
“While our inquiries are ongoing, we do believe this was an isolated and contained incident.
“I’d like to thank the community for their patience and understanding as our investigation continues. Local officers will be conducting patrols if anyone with concerns wishes to speak to them.”